Question

A client with eczema has a prescription for a topical corticosteroid. the nurse cautions the client to use the product carefully in which area where the risk of systemic absorption is greater?

Answer 1

The risk of systemic absorption is greater in the area of the face. Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects and for that reason, they are administered in cases of eczema and dermatitis. However, their action has to be limited to the affected skin areas (the target organ) and not the systemic organs. The skin of the face is not as thick as on the rest of the body, so applying the corticosteroid cream on this area increases the risk of the absorption of the drug in the systemic circulation.